ej20 series vs ej25 series: low tox coolant or no?

[thook44]

i have scoured the web!  i could have overlooked, but from what i see there's little to no definitive info on this subject i'm approaching. i've ran low tox in my vehicles for years without issue.
but, i have a lot of animals (a non-profit refuge) and this is a big concern for me. not to mention the larger environmental factors

 

i've got another thread pondering choices for a forester (having yet to be acquired) that may or may not have a motor, but figured it might be better to have a different thread on this matter. and, the matter is choosing an engine that would be safely compatible with propylene glycol based coolant.

 

so, i know about the issues with the sohc ej25 and the fix. i've also read about the suby coolant (in addition to the conditioner) being strongly recommended for these engines....more so, of course, if the vehicle is still under warranty. i'm looking for early 2k models, so they won't be. on the other hand, i've also read to the contrary; doesn't freakin matter if it's suby coolant and screw the conditioner. whatever. i just want to know if either of the motors can safely run on low tox. particularly the 2.5L if it had the MLS head gaskets....which to my understanding is THE fix

 

and, so you know, if neither can safely do so, i will run what's best

 

thank you kindly

 

~matthew

[GeneralDisorder]

Low toxicity coolant (Propylene Glycol or "PG" for short) is not as good at heat transfer or freezing protection. It is an inferior product to Ethelene Glycol (EG) based coolant.

 

If your engine and cooling system are properly maintained, it is highly unlikely that an animal will ingest it. My experience has been that most animals and pets completely disregard open containers of anti-freeze when they have plentiful sources of fresh water.

 

If you are concerned, then get some grey absorbent matting as used in garages and shops and put it under the car where you park.

 

I do not recommend the use of PG coolant. Nor do I see the point in the Subaru additive. Fix the HG's with the 770 gaskets, replace the radiator and all the hoses and don't worry about it.

 

GD

[1 Lucky Texan]

I THINK there is supposed to be a 'bittering' agent added the EG coolant since 2012.

 

unless you leave an open drain pan of coolant out, or have a steady drip, it is unlikely an animal or child will encounter enough 'free' EG to present a problem.

 

But, it is a concern on older vehicles that may contain older coolant, or for folks still using older jugs of coolant from 'new-old-stock' or of questionable source as there will not be a bittering agent in that fluid. It has a sweet smell/taste that is attractive to some animals and can cause irreversible kidney damage.(curiously, about the best treatment is to get the animal/child 'drunk' with ethanol to point of almost lethal alcohol poisoning))

 

All that said, the climate in Arkansas is moderate enough the PG-based fluid could be OK. It needs to be 'friendly' to aluminum so, I guess the additives are gonna be critical.

Edited September 7, 2017 by 1 Lucky Texan

[matt167]

IMO, the conditioner works. If your head gaskets are not leaking enough to leave a mess on the floor aside from a little oil it will stop or slow the usage to a more than manageable state.

[golucky66]

In 2009MY Subaru went to a new blue colored coolant, from their previous green color. I'm nit exactly sure what the difference is on a technical standpoint, but that id the year that everything was changed to blue from factory.

[thook44]

like i said, the low tox has worked fined for me. i've used it my toyotas, peugeot, and wife's buick. never overheated pulling a trailer in the hills in hot arky summers. never froze a motor, either, with temps down to single digits. so, maybe it's inferior, but....

animals....i take the cautionary measures. still, i feel better using it "in case" something stupid happens. plus, again, the environment. i live in the woods; no covered garage or concrete slabs, so i get to feel a little better once more "in case" something stupid happens.

 

so, i guess subaru doesn't use an uber special alumiranium in the motors, or super secret formula for the gaskets, and no one's ever had motor failure in 50k due to using it?

[thook44]

okay...sorry, guys. i found the info i needed over on nasioc. so long as the coolant is phosphate, silicate, and amine free then it's fine to use. no detriment to the aluminum system or seals. BUT!! it looks like the prestone low tox does have some silicates in it. i will have to research on this more. urmph...